SuperCal SO4 with Zn and N on Corn

SuperCal SO4 has been shown to increase nitrogen uptake as sulfur in SuperCal SO4 aids in the nitrification process. Calcium helps to stabilize nitrogen by decreasing volatilization loss. Calcium is essential to the biochemical process of plants to absorb nutrients. Adding SuperCal SO4 to your fertility program will make your expensive nitrogen and zinc work better.

Gypsum is used in the reclamation of sodic soils. Where the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of sodic soils is too high, it must be decreased for soil improvement and better crop growth. The most economical way is to add gypsum, which supplies calcium. The calcium replaces the sodium held on the cation exchange sites in the soil. The sodium can then be leached from the soil.

Gypsum prevents crusting of soil and aids seed emergence

Gypsum can decrease and prevent crust formation on soil surfaces which result from rain drops or from sprinkler irrigation on unstable soil. The gypsum is either surface applied or put on in the irrigation system. Prevention of crust formation means more seed emergence, more rapid seed emergence.

Gypsum improves compacted soil

Gypsum can help modify dispersive, compacted soil. This type of compaction in many soils can be decreased with gypsum, especially when combined with deep tillage. Addition of organic amendments also helps, especially in preventing return on the compaction.

Gypsum makes slightly wet soils easier to till

Soils that have been treated with gypsum have wider range of soil moisture levels where it is safe to till without danger of compaction or deflocculation. This is accompanied with greater ease of tillage and more effective seedbed preparation and weed control. Less energy is needed for the tillage.

Gypsum stops water runoff and erosion

Gypsum improves water infiltration rates into soils and also the hydraulic conductivity of the soil, which protects against excess water runoff from especially large storms that are accompanied with erosion.

Gypsum decreases pH of sodic soils

Gypsum immediately decreases the pH of sodic soils or near sodic soils from value often over 9 but usually over 8 to values of from 7.5 to 7.8. These values are in the range of acceptability for growth of most crop plants. Probably more than one mechanism is involved. Ca++ reacts with bicarbonate to precipitate CaCO3 and release protons which decrease the pH. Also, the level of exchangeable sodium is decreased which lessens the hydrolysis of clay to form hydroxides. These reactions can decrease the incidence of lime and bicarbonate-induced iron deficiency.

Gypsum improves swelling clays

Gypsum can decrease the swelling and cracking associated with high levels of exchangeable sodium on the montmorillonite-type clays. As sodium is replaced by calcium on these clays, they swell less and therefore do not easily clog the pore spaces through which air, water and roots move.

Gypsum prevents waterlogging of soil

Gypsum improves the ability of soil to drain and not become waterlogged due to a combination of high sodium, swelling clay, and excess water. Improvements of infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity with use of gypsum add to the ability of soils to have adequate drainage.

Gypsum helps make stable soil organic matter

Gypsum is a source of calcium which is a major mechanism that binds soil organic matter to clay, which gives stability to soil aggregates. The value of organic matter applied to soil is increased when it is applied with gypsum.

Gypsum makes water-soluble polymer soil conditioners more effective

Gypsum complements or even magnifies the beneficial effects of water-soluble polymers used as amendments to improve soil structure. Like for organic matter, calcium, which comes from gypsum, is the mechanism for binding of the water-soluble polymers to the clay in soil.

Gypsum makes magnesium nontoxic

In soils having unfavorable calcium:magnesium ratios, such as serpentine soils, gypsum can create a more favorable ratio by displacing magnesium with calcium in the soil.

Gypsum corrects subsoil acidity

Gypsum can improve some acid soils even beyond what lime can do for them. The effects of toxic soluble aluminum can be decreased, including in the subsoil where lime will not penetrate. It is then possible to have deeper rooting with resulting benefits to the crops. The mechanism is more than replacement of acidic hydrogen ions which can be leached from the soil to give higher pH. Hydrogen ions do not migrate rapidly in soils containing clay. It is suggested that the sulfate from gypsum forms a complex (AISO4 +) with aluminum which renders the aluminum non-toxic. Also suggested is that the sulfate ions react with iron hydroxides to release hydroxyl ions which give a lime effect to increase soil pH. Gypsum is now being widely used on acid soils.

Gypsum improves water-use efficiency

Gypsum increases water-use efficiency of crops. In areas and times of drought, this is extremely important. Improved water infiltration rates, improved hydraulic conductivity of soil, better water storage in the soil all lead to deeper rooting and better water-use efficiency. From 25 to 100 percent more water is available in gypsum-treated soils.

Gypsum makes it possible to use low quality irrigation water

The effective sodium absorption ratio (SAR) of irrigation water should be less than 6 for some crops and less than 9 for others. When it exceeds these limits, gypsum should be applied to the soil or to the water. Use of reclaimed municipal waste water is important for conservation of natural resources. Reclaimed water can be satisfactorily used if amendments, such as gypsum and water-soluble polymers, are used. Care must be taken, however, to avoid sodium build up in the lower horizons of soil because of excessive leaching when swelling clays are present.

Gypsum decreases dust erosion

Use of gypsum can decrease wind and water erosion of soil. Severe dust problems can be decreased, especially when combined with use of water-soluble polymers. Less pesticide and nutrient residues will escape from the soil surface to reach lakes and rivers when appropriate amendments are used to stabilize soil.

SuperCal SO4 has 17% Sulfate

SuperCal SO4 has 17% sulfate, which is the most absorbable form of sulfur for plants.

Gypsum helps plants absorb plant nutrients

Calcium, which is supplied in gypsum, is essential to the biochemical mechanisms by which most plant nutrients are absorbed by roots. Without adequate calcium, uptake mechanisms would fail.

Gypsum decreases heavy-metal toxicity

Calcium also acts as a regulator of the balance of particularly the micro-nutrients, such as iron, zinc, manganese and copper, in plants. It also regulates non-essential trace elements. Calcium prevents excess uptake of many of them; and once they are in the plant, calcium keeps them from having adverse effects when their levels get high. Calcium in liberal quantities helps to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients and other compounds within plants.

Gypsum increases value of organics

Blends of gypsum and organics increase the value of each other as soil amendments, especially for improvement of soil structure. High levels of soil organic matter are always associated with liberal amounts of calcium, which is part of gypsum. Calcium decreases burn out of soil organic matter when soils are cultivated by bridging the organic matter to clay.

Gypsum improves fruit quality and prevents some plant diseases

Calcium is nearly always only marginally sufficient and often deficient in developing fruits. Good fruit quality requires an adequate amount of calcium. Calcium moves very slowly, if at all, from one plant part to another, and fruits at the end of the transport system get too little. Calcium must be constantly available to the roots. In very high pH soils, calcium is not available enough; therefore, gypsum helps. Gypsum is used for peanuts, which develop below ground to keep them disease free. Gypsum helps prevent blossom-end roots of watermelon and tomatoes and bitter pits in apples. Gypsum is preferred over lime for potatoes grown in acid soils so that scab may be controlled. Root rot of avocado trees caused by Phytophthora is partially controlled by gypsum.

Gypsum helps prepare soil for no-till management

Liberal application of gypsum is a good procedure for starting a piece of land into no-till soil management or pasture. Improved soil aggregation and permeability will persist for years and surface-applied fertilizers will more easily penetrate as a result of the gypsum.

Gypsum decreases bulk density of soil

Gypsum-treated soil has a lower bulk density compared with untreated soil. Organics can even decrease it more when both are used. Softer soil is easier to till, and crops will respond accordingly.

Gypsum decreases the toxic effect of NaCl salinity

Calcium from gypsum has a physiological role in inhibiting the uptake of Na by plants. For species of plants not tolerant to Na, Ca protects from toxicity of Na but not Cl.

Gypsum decreases nitrogen volatilization

Calcium from gypsum can help decrease volatilization loss of ammonium nitrogen from applications of ammonia, ammonium nitrate, UAN, urea, ammonium sulfate, or any of the ammonium phosphates. Calcium can decrease the effective pH by precipitating carbonates and also by forming a complex calcium salt with ammonium hydroxide which prevents ammonia loss to the atmosphere.

Gypsum keeps clay off tuber and root crops

Gypsum can help keep clay particles from adhering to roots, bulbs and tubers of crops like potato, carrots, garlic and beets. In combination with water-soluble polymers, it is even more beneficial.

Gypsum helps earthworms to flourish

Continuous supply of calcium with organics is essential to earthworms that improve soil aeration, improve soil aggregation and mix the soil. Earthworms can do the plowing for no-till agriculture.

Safe for organic growers

Our products are pelletized using calcitic lignin sulfonate which is acceptable worldwide.

Provides calcium nutrition for your crop.

Calcium fertility is often an afterthought in many cropping systems. However, proper calcium nutrition is vital to overall plant health and Triplicity delivers a pure and effective source of calcium for your crop’s needs.

Q: Can I use SO4 for a sulfur source?

A: SO4 is a great choice for sulfur nutrition. Sulfur exists in the sulfate form in SO4, which is the plant available form and is immediately available. 200 bu. corn will use 32 lbs. sulfur/A, and 80 bu. beans will use 36 lbs. sulfur/A, indicating the need for yearly sulfur fertility. Further, sulfate-sulfur is dynamic in the soil system, similar to nitrate-nitrogen and can be leached easily. SO4 is also a great calcium source. 200 bu. corn requires 42 lbs. calcium/A, 80 bu. beans require 136 lbs. calcium/A.

Q: My soil turns white to gray and cracks as soon as it's dry.

A: First, test your soil to see if either salt or an imbalance of your calcium and magnesium is causing the problem. In either case, regular applications of SO4 should alleviate either condition.

Q: I have a water source high in salt. Will SO4 address that?

A: If your water is the primary source of sodium buildup in your soil, it will become a case of "shoveling sand" as the removal must exceed the source. Only in cases where you use a clean source of water will you be able to fully remove the buildup of salts in the soil. Also, it must be noted that leaching and good drainage are needed to remove the sodium salt.

Q: I have high salt levels. Will SO4 take care of that?

A: In most cases, yes. First, it needs to be determined by the soil testing if sodium salt is the problem. If it is, regular applications of SO4 will reduce the sodium as long as there is a way for the soil to be leached and drain properly (i.e., tile or naturally occurring drainage).

Q: Will SO4 help in a high pH soil?

A: Yes. It will supply free, soluble calcium which will be available to the crop while existing calcium in the soil can be tied up due to the high pH. SO4 will not reduce soil pH, but will create a friendlier environment for the plant to grow. Your soil test will likely indicate that there is abundant calcium in the high pH soil, but that calcium can be tied up as a result of high soil pH.

Q: Do I need to incorporate SO4?

A: No. SO4 works best applied to the soil surface.

Q: Will SO4 lower my pH?

A: No, to lower your pH with sulfur, you need the elemental form, not the sulfate form, which is how it exists in SO4. The acidifying process of soil borne bacteria converting elemental sulfur to the sulfate form is what lowers pH.

Q: How long will SO4 last?

A: There are many factors involved in answering this question; soil type, weathering, specific problems to be addressed, etc. In general, applications for most problems should be made yearly to ensure adequate sulfate levels in the soil.

Q: Can I apply SO4 with other products?

A: As long as the other products are granular, SO4 can be mixed and applied at the same time and with the same equipment. We do not recommend application with liquid compounds unless they are suitable for impregnation on fertilizer, and then they may be impregnated on the SO4 also. This is applicable for most micronutrients also.

Q: Can I put on too much SO4?

A: It is not likely that you will over apply SO4; we are not aware of any instances in which SO4 caused any harm to a plant-soil system by overapplication. Sulfate is dynamic in the soil system and excess will be leached, and calcium will also eventually leach if there is no room for it in the soil.

Q: How often should I apply SO4?

A: Yearly applications are recommended until the problems you are trying to alleviate have been addressed. At that time, you can reevaluate your situation and reduce application rates to maintenance levels or application frequency.

Q: How much SO4 do I need to use?

A: Normal rates are 300 lb/A per application unless you are addressing a high sodium situation, in which case the rate could be as high as 900 lb/A. As always, a soil test should be taken and analyzed before application.

Q: What is SO4?

A: SO4 is finely ground gypsum mixed with a binder to form a pellet. SO4 contains 21% calcium, 17.5% sulfur (in plant available sulfate form), and is 95% pure dihydrate gypsum. Dihydrate gypsum is much more soluble than other forms of gypsum, which makes it the right choice for any agricultural or horticultural application.

SuperCal SO4M Bag Label

SuperCal SO4UGG Bag Label

Third Party Resources: SO4

PDF of Research from the Iowa State University Extension. Provides reasons for the developing problem, how to identify S deficiency, a summary of the research in northeast Iowa, and S fertilizer recommendations for alfalfa.

What our clients say...

Jim has been using SuperCal SO4 as part of his fertility program on his alfalfa. He has an acre of alfalfa that is 30 years old and produces more than 6 ton per year.

— Jim Jarosz, Cedar Rapids, Nebraska

We have been raising cattle on grass for many years, traditional fertilizer didn't seem to be giving us the response we were looking for. We started looked for other options and Gene Zimmerman recommended SuperCal SO4. We were looking for a good sulfur source, but also felt we needed the calcium. The grass responded quite well to 300 lbs/a. We could tell where the spreader ran out of SuperCal SO4, and we have seen a big difference compared to the ground we did not spread any SuperCal SO4 on.
It has been pretty dry this year so we were not sure what kind of results we would see.
The carrying capacity looked better than my neighbors, and the cattle seem to like the
grass better, and even started grazing the weeds. I have cows that have never raised
good calves; this year they have big calves. Two representatives from the local sale
barn came to visit me. My calves were more robust, they wanted to know what I was
doing.
"I would use SuperCal SO4 again, it’s priced reasonably."

— Morris Stokes, Sullivan County, Missouri

have been using SuperCal SO4 for 4 years now and have been seeing it right to the row where I have been using it as my pictures show, I have been banding it at 50 to 100 # rates and have seen anywhere from 5 to 11 bushels increase on my corn yields. The 50# rate was costing me about $3/acre and seeing a 5-bushel yield increase at $3/bushel corn is $15 for a $3 investment. A 5x return on investment works for me.
Visit Jay’s website: http://www.conklin.com/site/myersproducts/

— Jay Myers, Colfax, North Dakota

CALCIUM PRODUCTS

At Calcium Products, we continually research and innovate to provide the purest, most effective pelletized lime and gypsum products available. We deliver affordable, natural soil improvement resulting in consistently higher yield.